Phil Davenport
I think I have spent most of life outdoors doing one thing or another. I was a professional firefighter and trauma tech for 31yrs, now I have retired to Rhodes, my life is a lot different now, (no shift work, no 15hr night shift). But the main thing is i am doing a job that i love, taking people walking in Rhodes in which I am very passionate about and showing people that there is a lot more to Rhodes than the beach is very satisfying. Like Richard i was holidaying here for many years and fell in love with the island, its climate, its people, its landscape and history and decided to stay in 2006-7.
How did you get involved with Walking Rhodes?:
Richards’s wife Helen comes to the gym i help run in the winter, we got talking about sport etc; my principle interests at the time were triathlon, walking, climbing and any other thing that involved getting out and about with friends etc and preferably with a watering hole at the other end! Helen Asked me if i would be interested in guiding? That didn’t take long to answer.
What are you involved in?:
I am a walking leader it’s my job to take people out and make their day interesting, enjoyable, memorable and safe what job could be better.
Name three things you always take with you walking in Rhodes?:
I take with me? Hopefully an infectious enthusiasm for the job i do, skill and expertise to know that if there is a problem i am confident enough to sort it from my past experience as a fireman and a rucksack which has everything from first aid stuff to sweeties!!
What the most important thing you have learnt about walking in Rhodes?:
The most important things I’ve learned? the weather changes here just as fast if not faster than everywhere else and as the scouts say “be prepared” fore armed is fore warned, Rhodes is proned to having a micro climate, we can walk all day on say Akramitis in glorious sunshine and when we get home on the other side of the island they may of had really heavy rain for 30 minutes durring the day.
Is there anything you miss most when working in Rhodes?:
The jokes round the brew table at the fire station
Whats you favourite Greek meal?:
Now that’s a hard one cos i like food period, roast lemon potatoes, giant beans, cheese balls and Greek salad for starters!!
What is your favourite snack?:
Spanakopita, spinach pie, being a northerner it had to be a pie!
What other interests do you have aside from walking?:
I am officially retired from triathlon, i enjoy running and swimming for pleasure, eating out with friends and sea fishing